Libreville Map, Capital of Gabon Disclaimer Close Disclaimer : All efforts have been made to make this image accurate. However Compare Infobase Limited,its directors and employees do not own any responsibility for the correctness or authenticity of the same. About city : Libreville is the capital of Gabon. This beautiful country located on the west coast of Africa has become a unique destination of eco tourism and 10% of the country is covered by national parks inhabited by a diverse wildlife. The city lies on the Komo River near the Gulf of Guinea. The city was founded in 1848. The French had started dominating the region in 1839. In 1848, the French navy captured a Brazilian ship sailing with slaves who were freed. These freed slaves set up the city of Libreville or Freetown. The city remained a minor administrative and trading outpost. In 1930, the Bank of West Africa opened its branch here and the city began to gain importance. In 1960, when Gabon won its freedom, Libreville was declared to be the capital. Since then, the city has experienced rapid growth.

Geography : Libreville is located on the north of the Gabon estuary. It is built on a number of hills which has formed a sheltered port. Part of the city is covered by a plateau. Located on the northwestern part of the country, the capital runs along the shores of the Atlantic. The climate is warm and always sunny. The city receives intermittent rainfall and there are about 80 rainy days in a year. Humidity is often high. December and January are the warmest months. June and July are the driest months. The beaches enjoy mild climate and are a favorite haunt of both the locals and the tourists. How to reach (transport) : Libreville is connected to some of the cities of Europe, Asia and Africa by air. The Libreville International Airport (LBV) is located about 12 kms from the city. Trans-Gabon Railway being the only railway in Gabon running from Libreville in east to Franceville has connected the capital to numerous towns in the country and revolutionized the economy. Libreville is also connected to other African cities by road. Connections exist with Yaounde (Cameroon), Brazzaville (Congo) and Bata (Equatorial Guinea).

Though freight ships may agree to take passengers, sea route is not the common way to reach this capital city. When to visit : The best time to visit Libreville is during the dry periods of the year. There are two dry periods. One occurs in the months from May to September and the other in December and January. The rest of the year is too hot and humid for a comfortable visit. Fairs and Festivals : The area around Libreville was inhabited by the Mpongwe tribe. In the seventeenth century, the French set up their outpost there. Since then, colonial influence gradually overrode the native culture of Libreville. Today, the city is almost completely modernized as it has become a commercial hub. French has even become the native language of the city. Only in a few isolated places, the symbols of the original tribal culture can still be seen. One such symbol is the traditional wooden masks which are still seen around the city. These masks are believed to possess occult powers and are used to communicate with the dead. The designs of these masks have inspired European masters like Picasso and Matisse. The people of the city are very laid back and relaxed. Enjoy the sights rather than rushing from one place to another.

The multicultural city offers a colorful experience to the tourists. Since most of the country has been Christianized, the residents of Libreville celebrate the Christian festivals. The Gabon Independence Day is celebrated on 17th August with military parade, traditional dances and speeches. The New Year's Day is a major festival in Libreville. Musicals, concerts and parties are common. Hotels, restaurants and pubs are decorated and gifts are exchanged. This is the time to experience gourmet cuisine and wine. In addition, Libreville hosts some other festivals in some years. In July this year, the International contemporary dance festival was held in the city. In March, the International book and crafts festival was celebrated. Points of interest (places to visit) : There are not a lot of places to see in Libreville. Instead, you should wander in the city or along the shopping district to enjoy its true flavor. The best place to visit is definitely the beach. That is why you should choose a dry season to visit. Enjoy the Gabonese sculptures found along the shore. You can take a short boat ride to Point Denis where some of the best beaches are located. The Nzeng- ayong is a tree sanctuary which you can visit.

In addition, there is the Mbeng-Ntame where local dances and shows are performed. Accommodation : To enjoy your vacation to the fullest, you should enjoy a good stay as well. And Libreville promises to help you with some great stay choices. A number of mid range hotels serve the tourists visiting Libreville. Some trusted options here are as follows: For a luxurious stay you can count on options including but not limited to Nomad Suites Residence, Le Meridien Re-Ndama, and Radisson Blu Okume Palace. The 5 star hotels in Libreville that are worth mentioning include Intercontinental Libreville, and Hotel Laico Okoume Palace Libreville Hotel. Last, but not the least those running on a tight budget can enjoy their own set of privileges at budgetary options like Novotel Libreville Rapontchomb, and Dummy Libreville. Last Updated : January 18, 2014 Libreville, Gabon - Africa.com Libreville, Gabon Previous Next Libreville, Gabon Though small (it has less than 600,000 people), Gabon’s capital Libreville is a bustling port city on the Komo River.

In recent years, the oil-rich west African country has seen an increase in business travel. For first time businessmen and women traveling to Gabon, expect wide avenues reminiscent of Paris, and beautiful French-inspired buildings and monuments. The per capita income of Gabon is about $10,000, and you’ll appreciate the government’s investment in education as you engage with cab drivers, hotel staff, and locals; they are all reasonably well educated. Accommodation: Le Meridien Re-Ndama, Libreville, Gabon Number one on our list of places to stay while doing business in Libreville is Le Meridien Hotel . However the recommendation is not without its qualifications. The hotel is worn and in need of renovation, but because it carries an international hotel management flag, Meridien by Starwood, it is accustomed to receiving international visitors. Its staff is accustomed to speaking English, and will accept your American Express credit card. As for its amenities, the business center is reasonably well equipped, and the WiFi is of an acceptable speed. Second on the list is the Onomo Libreville Hotel. While not located in the central business district, it is very close to the American Embassy.

In contrast to Le Meridien, Onomo is newly built, in pristine condition, and boasts an urban trendy design. WiFi is available in rooms, and runs generally well; it is also free. On the downside, the rooms are small, and the common areas are open-plan, so that there are no quiet corners to have a discrete business meeting or cup of coffee; everything is in a central area that buzzes with energy. The Nomad Residential Hotel is another excellent choice for accommodation in Libreville. Just ten minutes away from the central city, this beautifully designed hotel offers great comfort and convenience with its spectacular suites and ideal location. The Nomad offers free shuttle service to and from the airport, and organizes car rentals. The apartments are spacious and have practical office nooks. The entire hotel is equipped with WiFi. There is a business center, and seminar rooms with dedicated staff. Finally, the Nomad has a fitness center, restaurant, and VIP lounge. The Laico Okoume Palace Hotel is next on our list. This beachfront hotel provides complimentary airport shuttle service at scheduled times, and boasts multilingual staff members. Additionally, the Okoume Palace Hotel features a business center with secretarial services, and small meeting rooms.

There are two restaurants, a café, and a bar and lounge. Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed internet is available throughout the hotel. In sum, the Okoume Palace Hotel is reminiscent of Le Meridien: a standard hotel for international business travelers with top notch services, but in need of renovations, which it is currently undergoing. Transport: Airport Transfers The best option to go to and from the Libreville Leon M’ba International Airport is to organize transportation with your hotel beforehand, as many hotels offer airport shuttle services. If your hotel does not offer such a service, you may consider renting a car and driving to your destination. However there is limited GPS navigation service in the region. Local Transport It is important to note that during the rainy/wet season, all forms of road transportion becomes difficult, or nearly impossible on some days. Cars can be rented at the main hotels and at the Libreville Leon M’ba International Airport. But roads’ conditions can be difficult and inaccessible away from the central business district and airport. We suggest business travelers hire a chauffeured car for local commuting. Both chauffeured cars and taxis are reasonably priced. Money Matters: Credit Cards Credit cards are not universally accepted.

Some of the best hotels, including the ones listed above, ask that you pay for your first night in advance with cash. Come prepared with a wad of cash. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most major hotels. You’re likely to have some trouble with American Express. Cash When you leave the large international hotels, you’ll find that Gabon’s economy is largely cash-based. Because of the strong Francophone influence, you can get away with using Euros in most places. Dollars are accepted, but not to the same degree as Euros. We suggest, as we do for many countries, traveling in Gabon with 50 single dollar bills or 50 single Euro notes, so that you do not have to change money. ATMs ATMs are available in major urban centers. We advise using recognizable international banks. This is the most effective way of getting Central African Francs (CFA), Gabon’s local currency. Communication: The major cellphone operators in Gabon are Airtel, Azur, Libertis, and Moov.

When traveling in most major cities in Africa, Libreville included, you have a choice of a) using your cell phone and phone number from home and making roaming calls; however, roaming in Gabon only works with certain carriers and is variable or b) buying a local SIM card, thus operating with a local number, charging it with airtime locally. The difference in price is huge. For international calls to the US, Europe, etc., we highly recommend using Skype or Google voice. You should set up these accounts before you leave home. If, for example, you are in a hotel with free WiFi, a Skype account that has been set up for unlimited calls to US phone numbers for a flat $4/month, will allow you to dial any number in the US with unlimited talk time. This is the best way to stay in touch with people in the US, Europe, South Africa, etc. For local calls, we recommend purchasing an inexpensive cell phone that is “unlocked” before you leave home (or using an old cell phone that you no longer use). Unlocked means that the phone can take a SIM card from any carrier.

If you have a US or European phone that is locked (i.e., tied to a carrier), you can ask the carrier to “unlock” it. Alternatively, there are a number of websites that for a small fee of under $10, will provide you with specific instructions on how to “unlock” your cell phone. Simply Google the words “unlock cell phone” and you will find a large number of choices. Is it safe to travel there? Safety and security is of relatively low concern in Gabon; however, crime has been steadily increasing in major cities like Libreville and Port Gentil. For updated safety and travel news on Gabon, we recommend visiting the British government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office page HERE . Another useful source for assessing safety and security is the Ibrahim Index, founded by Sudanese businessman Mo Ibrahim. The Ibrahim Index ranks African countries relative to one another, and ranks Gabon’s personal safety as 7 out of 52 countries (1 being best, 52nd worst). You’ll find more information on the Ibrahim Index score for Gabon HERE .

Language: Libreville - definition of Libreville by The Free Dictionary Libreville - definition of Libreville by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Related to Libreville: Luanda Li·bre·ville (lē′brə-vĭl′, -vēl′) The capital and largest city of Gabon, in the northwest part of the country on the Gulf of Guinea. Founded as a French trading post in 1843, it was named Libreville after freed slaves settled there (1848). Libreville (French librəvil) n (Placename) the capital of Gabon, in the west on the estuary of the Gabon River: founded as a French trading post in 1843 and expanded with the settlement of freed slaves in 1848. Pop: 649 000 (2005 est) Li•bre•ville Gabon country profile - BBC News BBC News Close share panel Gabon, located on the west coast of Africa, is one of the region's more stable countries.

Since independence from France in 1960, Gabon has had just three presidents. Late President Omar Bongo ruled for more than four decades until his death in 2009. During Omar Bongo's rule, Gabon maintained a close relationship with France under a system known as "Francafrique", receiving both political and military support in exchange for business favours. But relations have cooled since his son Ali won a contested election in 2009 and French authorities launched a long-running corruption investigation into the family's assets. Gabon is a major oil producer but a third of its population live in poverty, according to the World Bank.

Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring FACTS Area 267,667 sq km (103,347 sq miles) Languages French, Bantu-group languages Life expectancy 62 years (men), 64 years (women) Currency CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc LEADER President: Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba Image copyright Getty Images Ali Bongo was sworn in for a second seven-year term in September 2016, after Gabon's constitutional court upheld his narrow victory in a bitterly disputed election. Main rival Jean Ping described the court's decision as a "miscarriage of justice" amid opposition claims of vote fraud. Mr Bongo took over from his late father Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for 41 years until his death in 2009. He has pledged to address some of the issues that have fuelled anger among the country's 1.8 million people, like youth unemployment and over-reliance on falling oil revenues But his presidency has been overshadowed by a long-running French investigation into allegations of embezzlement involving the Bongo family's assets.

Born in 1959 in Brazzaville, Congo where his father was serving in the armed forces, Mr Bongo was educated in France. MEDIA Gabon's main broadcast media are government-controlled. In 2013, Reporters Without Borders acknowledged the authorities had made some progress in media freedom but said journalists still faced "police brutality and intimidation by officials". The watchdog called for an overhaul of the country's 2001 media law. There were more than 670,000 internet users out of a population of 1.5 million by November 2015. (Internetworldstats.com). Some key dates in Gabon's history: 14th-19th century - European settlers: Arrival of Portuguese slave traders, followed by French, Dutch and British. 1839 - France signs treaties with Gabonese coastal chiefs. Local Mpongwe ruler signs away sovereignty to the French. 1910 - Gabon becomes one of four territories making up French Equatorial Africa. 1958 - Gabon votes to become autonomous republic in the French Community. 1960 - Gabon declares independence.

1967 - Omar Bongo becomes president after the death Leon Mba. 1967-2009 - Omar Bongo dominates Gabonese politics, serving seven consecutive terms. 1990s - Multi-party political system introduced. 2003 - Constitution amended to repeal term limits, ensuring President Bongo holds the presidency for life. 2009 - Death of Omar Bongo, succeeded by his son Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Omar Bongo was Africa's longest serving head of state when he died, having been in power for 42 years Google Map of Libreville, Gabon - Nations Online Project Satellite view is showing Libreville, largest city, major port, and the national capital of Gabon , located on the north bank of the Gabon River estuary, near the Gulf of Guinea in north west of the country. The Mpongwe people were the earliest known dwellers around the estuary in the area where Libreville is now located. The French acquired the land in 1839, the city was the chief port of French Equatorial Africa from 1934 to 1946.

Today Libreville has a population of about 700,000 inhabitants (in 2013). Spoken languages are French (80%) and West African languages mainly Fang, and Myene. Just zoom in (+) to see Palais Presidentiel, Gabon's presidency. The map shows a city map of Libreville with expressways, main roads and streets, zoom out to find the location of Libreville International Airport ( IATA code : LBV), about 11 km (7 mi ) by road northwest of the city. To find a location use the form below. To find a location type: street or place, city, optional: state, country. φ Latitude, λ Longitude (of Map center; move the map to see coordinates): , Google Earth: Searchable map/satellite view of Libreville, Gabonese Republic.

City Coordinates: 0°23′24″N 9°27′0″E Bookmark/share this page Trying to get past oil | The Economist Trying to get past oil One African country’s struggle to diversify Aug 6th 2016 Tweet Digging for diversity GABON, in west-central Africa, is among Africa’s least densely populated countries. Fly south from the capital, Libreville, in a helicopter and you will mostly see rainforest, stretching endlessly into the distance, interrupted only by rivers cutting through to the Atlantic Ocean. Yet suddenly, near a town called Mouila, the dense forest gives way to orderly rows of palms, separated by roads of red earth. A processing factory sits in the middle, its metal roof sticking out from the expanse of green. This is Africa’s newest palm-oil plantation. Built by Olam, a vast Singapore-based agricultural trading house, it should eventually cover 50,000 hectares (120,000 acres) and employ some 15,000 workers.

It is the main evidence of President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s plan to reduce Gabon’s dependence on the other sort of oil—which in 2014 made up four-fifths of the country’s export revenues. Mr Bongo (pictured), who faces an election at the end of this month, seems determined to make his country diversify. Yet it is harder than he lets on. Gabon shows how oil can twist the fate of a nation—and how difficult moving away from the black stuff is. In this section Reprints With just 1.8m people, Gabon is a minnow. But it is spacious—twice the size of England—and resource rich. Gross national income per head was around $9,000 in 2015, among the highest in Africa. Gabon has long punched above its weight in Francophone west Africa, largely thanks to Mr Bongo’s father Omar, who served as president from 1967 until his death in 2009. The elder Bongo had a gift for politics as outsized as his personality (among other foibles, he liked to show off his pet tiger to guests).

He became close friends with François Mitterrand, France’s president in the 1980s, as well as mentor to a generation of politicians in neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville and Equatorial Guinea. This ensured stability, and made Gabon a perennial obsession of the French press. What it didn’t do, however, was create prosperity. When Bongo died, he left his country with a political system built mostly on sharing oil spoils among a fat class of fonctionnaires. Around a quarter of the population still live on less than $3 a day. The Bongos themselves live in spectacular fashion: the family is said to own 39 properties in France alone. Their assets are still under investigation by the French authorities. In four decades under the elder Bongo, little was built in Gabon bar a lot of grandiose offices and an extraordinarily expensive railway, running from Libreville to the Bongos’ hometown of Franceville. It is this mess that his son—one of 52 officially recognised children—inherited in 2009 and now promises to fix. Speaking to The Economist from the presidential palace in Mouila (one of many), he is careful to defend his father.

“I found the country at peace,” he says of what he inherited. But he admits he has his work cut out. “Basically we’re a country based on the sales of raw materials,” he says. Now, he believes, Gabon needs manufacturing and agriculture. The Olam investment is the biggest evidence of this effort. The company is not only planting trees, it is also building a new port to ship out the palm oil. It is involved in opening a special economic zone on the outskirts of Libreville, which the president hopes to turn into a manufacturing cluster. Olam was persuaded to come to Gabon by the combination of fertile soil, political stability and a flexible government, says Gagan Gupta, the local boss. Yet Gabon remains a difficult place to do business for anyone who is not extracting oil (of either variety). At a Malaysian-owned factory in the special economic zone, huge piles of sawn wood are being turned into doors and tables. The idea, which originated with the president, is to use more Gabonese wood in the country. The export of logs has been banned, though that of sawn planks continues. But business is struggling.

“We can’t make a profit,” laments Cheah You Wok, the factory’s manager. His boss says that he hopes that the government will introduce tariffs on imported furniture. The risk now is that growth goes into reverse as lower oil prices—and the need to pay salaries before an election—put a brake on infrastructure building. Only 20% of the government’s infrastructure plan has been implemented, says Sylvie Dossou, the World Bank representative in the country. Funding has been cut for almost everything. Almost the only projects that continue are related to the African Cup of Nations football tournament, which Gabon is hosting next year. Some 162 billion CFA Franc ($270m) of bills to government suppliers are in arrears. Yet Mr Bongo still proudly talks of giving civil servants a 30% pay rise. After the election binge, expect a hangover. By the end of the year Gabon is likely to need a bail-out, probably from the IMF. This will surely come with uncomfortable conditions.

Another oil-rich state, Angola, asked for a bail-out in April, but changed its mind last month, probably because it would have required its national oil company, Sonangol, to be opened up to scrutiny. If Mr Bongo stays in power, which seems likely, he faces a turbulent 2017. Gabon Facts and Information Gabon Facts and Information Gabon Facts and Travel Information Flag of Gabon. By Anouk Zijlma Gabon Basic Facts Gabon is a beautiful country, blessed with beaches, pristine rain forests, as well as oil and other natural resources. It's per capita income is higher than many sub-Saharan African countries, and it's a politically stable country (easy when you only have had one leader for most of your history). Gabon has set itself up as a unique eco-tourist destination, its forests are filled with gorillas, elephants and chimps. Around 10% of Gabon is designated as national park areas. Excellent music (a very lively rap/hip-hop scene), as well as diverse ethnic groups, make it a fascinating cultural destination as well.

The popular US TV show " Survivor " took place in Gabon in 2008, and we all thought it would be the start of a tourist boom for Gabon. But unfortunately, as is sometimes the case with resource rich countries, mismanagement has not led to enough infrastructure development which is necessary to keep the tourists coming in. continue reading below our video Tips for Taking Better Travel Photos In 2012, Gabon will again have the chance to showcase its considerable riches, when the Africa Cup of Nations will be played out in various stadiums around the country. Location: Gabon lies on the west coast of Africa, on the equator , between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea . Gabon is considered to be part of the Central African Region. Area: Gabon covers an area of 267,667 sq km, about the same size size as New Zealand, or slightly less than the size of Colorado, ( see map ). Population: Around 1,577,000 people call Gabon home.

Religion: Christian 55%-75%, traditional beliefs, and Muslim less than 1% Language: French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, and Bandjabi Climate: - Gabon has a tropical climate with one dry season that usually lasts from December - February. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year, averaging between 84 - 88 Fahrenheit (29 - 32 Celsius). The wettest months are May and June. Gabon has a narrow coastal plain with a hilly interior. There is some savanna in east and south of the country. Best time to Visit: The drier cooler months between June - August is the best time to visit Gabon, or the short dry period between December - January. It is warm year round. Currency: Central African Franc (XAF) Gabon's Attractions In 2002, Gabon's (now late) President Bongo declared he would set aside 11% of his country as nature preserves and national parks.

Several national parks have indeed been set up to protect the vast natural rain forests from further logging as they are home to unique wildlife including lowland gorillas, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and hippos. Gabon also has a thriving cultural scene. In 2012 Gabon hosted the Africa Cup of Nations . Below are a list of some of the main attractions that draw tourists to the country. Loango National Park -- a beautiful park filled with diverse wildlife and flora, with some lovely camps and lodges operated by Africa's Eden . Lope National Park -- Easily reached from Libreville making it accessible for backpackers as well as other tourists. This is a good place to track gorillas with local pygmy guides (although groups are not habituated). Great for birders as well. Ivindo National Park -- Waterfalls, remote river islands and the famous langoue bai (natural forest clearings) make Ivindo an absolute wonderland for those looking for a remote safari. Wonga-Wongue Presidential Reserve -- difficult to reach, but visitors are rewarded with forest elephants, chimpanzees, buffalo, lowland gorillas and antelopes. This was the location of Survivor Gabon - 2008 .

Pongara National Park -- located on the Atlantic coast has some beautiful beaches where thousands of turtles nest every year and you can also see whales as well as hippos. Libreville -- the capital of Gabon, is a modern African city with plenty of 5 star hotels, decent French wine, good beaches, malls and fast-food restaurants. The markets, Musée des Arts et Traditions du Gabon and National Museum are worth a look. The nightlife is vibrant, check out hotel bars for live music and numerous nightclubs around town for dancing. Pointe Denis and Ekwata island -- Nice romantic escapes from the capital for beach lovers. Ekwata is more remote if you wish to avoid lots of tourists. Gabon Travel Information Getting To and From Gabon Most visitors will arrive by air, and land at the Leon M'ba International Airport in Libreville, Gabon's capital. Airlines with regular flights to Gabon include: Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and Emirates. Regional destinations are covered by: Gabon Airlines , South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Moroc, Rwandair Express and Kenya Airways.

Where to Stay: Libreville is home to several European chain luxury hotels , all offer similar facilities at high prices. Further afield you can opt for some nice eco-lodges, like Loango Lodge , Evengue Lodge , and Lope Hotel - see more wildlife camps/lodges in Gabon . Recommended Gabon Tours World Primate Safaris - 15 day Forest, Lagoon and Ocean Adventure Africa's Eden - 13 Day tour includes Gabon wildlife and beaches of Sao Tome and Principe Palace Travel -- 15 day Cultural Tour of Gabon and the DRC Ngonde Tour - CAN 2012 Tour, for soccer fans. Embassies/Visa Information: Most nationalities require a tourist visa as well as a yellow fever vaccination to enter Gabon, see your local Embassy web site for more information. Brief Political and Historical Overview Until recently, only two autocratic presidents had ruled Gabon since its independence from France in 1960. The recent president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - had dominated the country's political scene for four decades.

President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. President Bongo died in June 2009. New elections in August 2009 brought Ali Ben Bongo, son of the former president, to power. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries. In January 2010, Gabon assumed a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term. Gabon's Economy Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality, a large proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP although the industry is in decline as fields pass their peak production.

Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, and manganese exports and the global recession led to a GDP contraction of 1.4% in 2009. Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management hobbles the economy. In 1997, an IMF mission to Gabon criticized the government for overspending on off-budget items, overborrowing from the central bank, and slipping on its schedule for privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of oil prices from 1999 to 2008 helped growth, but drops in production have hampered Gabon from fully realizing potential gains. Gabon signed a 14-month Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2007, and later that year issued a $1 billion sovereign bond to buy back a sizable portion of its Paris Club debt. Sources and More about Gabon Libreville, Gabon - definition of Libreville, Gabon by The Free Dictionary Libreville, Gabon - definition of Libreville, Gabon by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia .

Li·bre·ville (lē′brə-vĭl′, -vēl′) The capital and largest city of Gabon, in the northwest part of the country on the Gulf of Guinea. Founded as a French trading post in 1843, it was named Libreville after freed slaves settled there (1848). Libreville (French librəvil) n (Placename) the capital of Gabon, in the west on the estuary of the Gabon River: founded as a French trading post in 1843 and expanded with the settlement of freed slaves in 1848. Pop: 649 000 (2005 est) Li•bre•ville the capital of Gabon, in the W part, on the Gulf of Guinea. 350,000. ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Gabon , Gabonese Republic , Gabun - a republic on the west coast of Africa Translations Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content .

Link to this page: Gabun References in periodicals archive ? th] edition of the New York Forum AFRICA (NYFA), the world's leading pan-African business summit, will now take place on August 29-31 2015 in Libreville, Gabon under the High Patronage of His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic. New Dates for New York Forum AFRICA 2015: "Invest in the Energy Continent" Minister Mansour partook in the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation in Guinea Conakry, and inaugurated the new building of the Lebanese Embassy and the housing compound in Libreville, Gabon, funded by the Lebanese community there. Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.

Gabon travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC+1 Gabon is a country in Western Central Africa . It lies on the Equator, on the Atlantic Ocean coast, between the Republic of the Congo to the south and east, Equatorial Guinea to the northwest and Cameroon to the north. A small population, as well as oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries. The country has generally been able to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity. History[ edit ] The earliest inhabitants of the area were Pygmy peoples. They were largely replaced and absorbed by Bantu tribes as they migrated. In the 15th century, the first Europeans arrived. The nation's present name originates from "Gabão", Portuguese for "cloak", which is roughly the shape of the estuary of the Komo River close to the capital of Libreville . French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza led his first mission to the Gabon-Congo area in 1875. He founded the town of Franceville, and was later colonial governor. Several Bantu groups lived in the area that is now Gabon when France officially occupied it in 1885.

In 1910, Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa, a federation that survived until 1959. These territories became independent on August 17, 1960. Since independence, Gabon has been one of the more stable African countries. Autocratic President Omar Bongo was in power from 1967 until his death in 2009. Gabon introduced a multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent electoral process and for reforms of governmental institutions. A small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous sub-Saharan African countries. Despite being made up of more than 40 ethnic groups, Gabon has escaped the strife afflicting other West African states. Climate[ edit ] Tropical; always hot, humid. During the months of June to September, the climate is a little cooler (20-25°C). Terrain[ edit ] Narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savannah in east and south. Highest point is Mont Iboundji at 1,575 metres.

Independence Day: 17 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Founding of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), 12 March (1968) Get in[ edit ] Nationals of Morocco , Mauritius and Tunisia may enter Gabon visa-free. Nationals of South Africa may obtain a visa on arrival. All other nationals must apply for a visa before travel. The fee for a visa to enter the country is typically €70 via the e-Visa website from one (1) to three (3) months single entry, €185 for six (6) months with multiple entries. Both have a €15 processing fee. Fees can also be paid in XAF. Payments are made on arrival at the delivery of the e-visa sticker. The visa usually takes 72 hours to be issued. This can only be issued when visit Gabon by air via Leon Mba International Airport in Libreville. By plane[ edit ] Air France and Gabon Airlines fly from Paris to Libreville , and Royal Air Maroc flies from Casablanca to Gabon.

Air Service also flies to Douala ( Cameroon ), and Ethiopian Airlines flies from Addis Ababa . There are also on occasion flights to Brazzaville , Congo. "Interair" flies from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Libreville on Monday with a stopover in Brazzaville/Congo - returning via the same route every Wednesday. South African Airways "SAA" flies direct from Johannesburg South Africa) to Libreville and back on Wednesdays and Fridays. Turkish Airlines has direct flights from Istanbul to Libreville. Get around[ edit ] The easiest way to get around is by bus. There are many and they are very cheap. Additionally, taxis are plentiful in the Libreville area and relatively well maintained. By plane[ edit ] Air Service has scheduled flights to Oyem, Makouko and Franceville/Mvengue. Air Nationale flies to Franceville/Mvengue. There are flights to Franceville/Mvengue every day of the week except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Africa's Connection has daily scheduled flights between Libreville and Port Gentil, weekly flights from Port-Gentil / Libreville to São Tomé & Príncipe and to Loango National Park.

By car[ edit ] There are lots of paved roads in Gabon, if you are staying in one of the major cities a car should suffice. If you plan on venturing onto some of the unpaved roads outside the major cities a 4x4 is recommended. There are less than 800km of tarred roads in Gabon - some of them in a bad condition. During the rainy season it is difficult to travel outside the major city areas even in a 4x4 vehicle. By train[ edit ] The Trans-Gabon railroad goes from Owendo to Franceville. The trip takes 12-18 hours, there is a train every day of the week. November 2006: There are only 3 trains per week to Franceville: Tuesdays leaving Owendo at 09:00 - arriving in Franceville at 17:00 according to the timetable, which is not completely reliable. On Thursdays and Saturdays train travels through the night. By bus[ edit ] A few wealthy Gabonese entrepreneurs have invested in new buses for bus lines to service the larger interior cities. Mostly these buses serve the cities with paved roads leading to and from them.

Since Air Gabon closed down, these bus lines have greatly increased their routes. By boat[ edit ] Boat travel is available all along the coast of Gabon and dozens of miles up the Ogooue river to Lambarene. Boats leave daily to/from Libreville and Port Gentil. River trips from the mouth of the big river at Port Gentil to Lambarene (Albert Schweitzer Hospital) are available every few days. Hotel Olako arranges weekly boat transfers between Port Gentil and Omboué (close to Loango National Park), transfers take between 3 and 4.5 hours (depending on the type of boat and engine). Talk[ edit ] The official language is French . Around 80% of the population speak fluent French, and one-third of the population of Libreville speak French as their native language. Other than French, the three most common languages are Fang, Mbere, and Sira. Other indigenous languages are spoken by much smaller numbers. Very few people speak English in Gabon, so some knowledge of French is an asset.

Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Chez Beti - a small seaside safari camp near the village of Nyonie owned and operated by a French ex-pat. Clean, air-conditioned cottages and all-inclusive family style meals accompany the evening Landcruiser and sunrise walking safaris. Wildlife sightings can include elephants, buffalo, monkeys, parrots, hornbills and other local fauna. The camp is located just a few km south of the equator, along a pristine stretch of beach. Prices are very reasonable and include roundtrip transportation from the marina in Libreville; consisting of an hour long boat transit to a small landing in the mangroves, followed by a 45 minute 4x4 trip along jungle roads to the camp. Contact information: tel. 07 57 14 23 or 06 03 36 36, e-mail: castorene7@live.fr

Question: Libreville is the capital of which West African country?
Answer: Gabon